A no-frills motel base in Rodanthe, right on Hatteras Island's NC-12
Sea-Sound Motel is a small, independently run motel in Rodanthe, the first of the three closely grouped villages — Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo — at the northern end of Hatteras Island, inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
NC-12 is the only road connecting Rodanthe to the rest of the island, running south through Avon and Buxton to Hatteras village, where a free NC ferry continues on to Ocracoke Island. That single-road layout is part of what makes Hatteras Island different from the beaches further north: NC-12 floods and closes during storms with some regularity, and the risk is highest in the August-through-October hurricane window. Shoulder season — April-May and September-October — tends to be quieter and more predictable for a stay here.
4x4/ORV beach driving is permitted on much of Hatteras Island with an NPS permit, and Buxton's Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the country, is a common day-trip stop from Rodanthe (it's currently closed for climbing). For current rates, room details, and availability, check the motel's website or call ahead.
117 reviews
a month ago
Our friends and family have stayed here for the last three years and we cannot say enough positive things about this motel and the folks that own it. The rooms are incredibly clean and well thought out. It’s quiet, steps from the beach, and we always feel safe and at home. Thanks, Sea-Sound for another wonderful visit- we’ll see you next year!❤️ -Lexi and Jasper
a month ago
Can’t say enough great things about Sea Sound! This is a great place to stay on vacation and we can’t say enough wonderful things about Fred and Sharon (the owners). We will absolutely be back next year! Thank you so much for the wonderful stay…very happy with everything!
3 months ago
Super clean place with amazing owners. Very easy to get to beach and they have a pool. Nice size room, with fridge/freezer, coffee maker, paper plates, plastic ware, paper towels… We brought supplies to make light lunches and breakfasts.
a month ago
It was a wonderful family owned old school motel. Rooms were clean and owners were so nice. Just a short walk to the beach and we loved the pool.
11 months ago
During the closure of Highway 12, we found ourselves stuck in Rodanthe. However, the owners of the seaside motel proved to be a godsend. We stayed for one night, and despite the 11 a.m. checkout time, they graciously allowed us to take our time and depart at our leisure. As it turned out, we ended up staying until 5:30 p.m, when the road reopened, and impressively, they waived additional day's charges. I have been enthusiastically recommending their establishment to everyone, citing their remarkable hospitality. Their prices are very reasonable. The efficiency room we occupied was equipped with all the necessary amenities for meal preparation and was exceptionally clean and roomy. Given the choice, I would opt to stay there again over a chain hotel. Their hospitality was truly exceptional, and we are extremely thankful. We look forward to staying with them again.